138 Cardinals To Elect New Pope As Francis Dies At 88

Approximately 138 eligible Cardinals worldwide, all under the age of 80, are expected to elect a new Pope to succeed Pope Francis.

Reports indicate that Francis appointed two-thirds of these cardinal electors over the past decade, reflecting his vision of a more inclusive Church.

Among the 138 voters, cardinals from 18 African countries are set to participate in selecting the next Pope.

The death of Pope Francis has initiated the complex political process within the Catholic Church to identify a new leader.

The cardinals are expected to gather in the Vatican for the election, known as a conclave, following a traditional 15-day mourning period.

However, predicting the outcome of this highly secretive conclave is nearly impossible, as the cardinals’ positions can shift significantly between successive votes.

During the last conclave in 2013, few anticipated that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected as Pope Francis. Current speculation centres around several potential successors:

Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy

Described as a moderate “continuity candidate,” Parolin has served as the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013 and has played a key role in diplomatic affairs. Critics label him a modernist who prioritises diplomacy over the Church’s core tenets, while supporters view him as a courageous idealist advocating for peace.

Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the Philippines

The former Archbishop of Manila, Tagle, could become the first Asian pope from a region with the fastest-growing Catholic demographic. Despite being seen as Francis’s preferred successor in the past, he has recently lost favour, having criticised the Church’s positions on divorce and LGBTQ+ issues while opposing abortion rights in the Philippines.

Peter Turkson, 76, Ghana

Turkson has the potential to be the first black pope in centuries. He is vocal about climate change, poverty, and economic justice while maintaining traditional Church teachings. However, he has softened his views on LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for a more compassionate legal approach in several African nations.

Péter Erdő, 72, Hungary

As a leading conservative candidate, Erdő supports traditional Catholic teachings and could represent a notable departure from Francis’s approach. He has aligned himself with Hungary’s nationalist policies and has opposed Francis’s invitations to welcome migrants.

Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy

Appointed by Francis in 2019, Zuppi is seen as a progressive likely to uphold the late pope’s legacy, focusing on the poor and marginalised. He has served as the Vatican’s peace envoy for Ukraine, meeting with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine.

José Tolentino Calaca de Mendonça, 59, Portugal

One of the youngest contenders, Tolentino’s ambition may raise concerns for some supporters. He has sparked controversy for his inclusive views on same-sex relationships and feminist issues within the Church.

Mario Grech, 68, Malta

Initially regarded as a traditionalist, Grech has evolved towards progressive views since Francis’s election, demonstrating growth and adaptability.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Italy

Serving as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa has advocated for the Christian minority in the Holy Land and shows an inclination to continue some of Francis’s leadership styles.

Robert Sarah, 79, Guinea

A traditionalist who has sought to position himself as a “parallel authority” to Francis, Sarah remains vocal on clerical celibacy and other contentious issues, potentially making history as the first black pope.

Catholic Bishops Pay Tribute to Pope Francis

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has honoured the late Pope Francis, emphasising his leadership in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.
Ugorji stated, “The late Pontiff fostered greater understanding and cooperation among Christian denominations, promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect.”

He highlighted Francis’s fervent advocacy for the marginalised and stressed the importance of addressing poverty and social justice.

SEE ALSO:  What You Should Know About Late Catholic Pontiff Pope Francis

“Pope Francis implemented significant reforms within the Church, including critical changes to liturgical texts and the establishment of new Vatican departments,” Ugorji said.
He recognised Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si, which emphasised urgent environmental needs and sparked global discussions on climate action.

“Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was revered for his humility and compassion. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire millions worldwide,” he added.

Ugorji also mentioned that the Pope’s funeral would adhere to the updated liturgical rites approved in April 2024, reflecting the late pontiff’s wish for a more austere and faith-centred celebration.
He urged all Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for Pope Francis’s repose and for the Catholic Church during this time of transition.

CAN Mourns Pope Francis, Champion of Mercy

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed profound sorrow over Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said, “Pope Francis was a towering figure of faith whose papacy radiated mercy, justice, and profound love for humanity.”

He acknowledged the late pontiff’s influential leadership in strengthening the Church in Nigeria by appointing Nigerian bishops and cardinals.

“His unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue brought hope for peace within our diverse nation, nurturing unity in the face of numerous challenges,” Okoh said.

He praised Francis’s advocacy against poverty and corruption, asserting that it “deeply resonated with us, urging everyone to uphold the dignity of every Nigerian.”

“Even though he never visited Nigeria, his pastoral journeys across Africa conveyed powerful messages of solidarity.”

“His teachings in Laudato Si and Amoris Laetitia enriched our spiritual lives by addressing critical issues such as environmental stewardship and family life.”

As they mourn the loss of this dedicated servant of God, Okoh called for prayers for the peaceful repose of Pope Francis’s soul and the Catholic Church during this time of transition.

“May the legacy of Pope Francis, rooted in compassion, justice, and humility, continue to inspire us as we strive toward a more united and righteous Nigeria,” he said.

Pope: World Has Lost A Voice for Justice, Peace – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Pope Francis as a significant loss to the world, saying humanity has lost one of its most powerful voices for justice, peace, and compassion.

In a statement personally signed by him on Monday, the President joined Catholics and Christians across the world in mourning the revered spiritual leader, who passed away just a day after delivering his traditional Easter Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica.

“With a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the timing of the Pope’s death, following the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, signified a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
Recalling the Pope’s papacy, which began in 2013, Tinubu said Pope Francis stepped onto the global stage with a clear message of mercy, calling on the world to recognise Christ in the marginalised, the poor, the migrants, and the forgotten.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations,” the President added.

Tinubu praised the late Pontiff’s deep commitment to interfaith harmony, climate action, and advocacy for the developing world.

He described Pope Francis as “an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity.”
Reflecting on his 2025 Easter message, Tinubu said he had joined Christians in praying for the Pope’s health and had been pleased to see the Pontiff deliver his Easter message before his sudden passing.

“Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change,” he said.

The President commended the Pope’s numerous encyclicals and pastoral letters for providing spiritual clarity and moral guidance in an increasingly complex world, adding that his legacy should inspire collective action.

“As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person,” Tinubu urged.

The president extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria.
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” he concluded.

Trump Mourns Pope Francis

U.S. President Donald Trump mourned Pope Francis’s death on Monday, highlighting the late pontiff’s love for the world and ordering America’s national flag to be flown at half-staff. The Vatican announced that the bishop of Rome died on Easter Monday at 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
“I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country—all of them, all federal flags and state flags—at half-mast in honour of Pope Francis,” Trump said during the White House Easter Egg Roll, a traditional game played with eggs at Easter.

“He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world, and it’s an honour to do that,” he added.
Under the executive order, the U.S. flag is to be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and on all naval vessels until sunset, on the day of interment, Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also directed the flag to be flown at half-staff for the same length at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities, and at half-mast on all naval vessels, bases, and stations.

In a separate social media post, Trump wrote, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed his condolences over the pope’s passing.

“On Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened by the news of Pope Francis’ passing,” the secretary said.

“We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this transition period for the Catholic Church. May he rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden expressed “great sadness” over the pope’s death.

“Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time, and I am better for having known him,” Biden wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina, and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths.”

Pope Francis Bridged Islam, Christianity, Fought For The Weak – Buhari

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Christians all across the world in mourning the demise of the Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who departed the earth on Easter Monday.

In a reaction to the news of the death, the former President, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, said Christians in Nigeria and all over the world would miss the exemplary leadership of the Church by a Pope who served the poor and the weak, and cared much about migrants and refugees.

“He was a Pope who strove to build a beneficial, complementary relationship between the followers of the world’s two greatest religions—Islam and Christianity.

“Just hours before his demise, he made a call for an end to the war in Gaza. I hope Israel and Hamas will heed this call in final respect to the Pope, who had the distinction of bringing climate change to the Vatican, and recognising the Palestinian State,” said the former President.

The former President wishes for a new leader who will build on the inspiring legacies of Pope Francis.